Me with 0 make-up…but good lighting ; )
Anonymous asks: Mr. Kate! Please tell us how you keep your skin so clear?
Konsuelo’s Kitchen asks: Do tell us Mr. Kate, who do you keep your skin so clear??
Dila asks: Dear Kate, can you do a YouTube video on your skin care routine and the products you use? I love your skin, you’re naturally beautiful! Please help!
My Answer: Hi Anonymous, Dila, and Konsuelo! I have to first say that it has been a journey for me to find my way to clear skin… Disclaimer: my skin isn’t completely clear (is that even possible?), I still deal with blackheads on my nose and the once-in-a-while hormonal breakout – but overall my skin is free of breakouts. Here is a little insight into my past skin problems and the products that I’ve found help me the most…
My History of Breakouts: In highschool, like many teenagers, I had combination skin. My T zone was oily and my cheeks were dry. I broke out on my forehead, around my nose and chin. I treated that daily with Retin A and tea tree oil and professional facials once ever couple months which helped a lot. My skin cleared up between the ages of 16 and 20 but then I started breaking out on my cheeks, a place I’d never before experienced breakouts. I freaked out because I thought I’d get scarring so I did a course of Accutane, prescribed by a dermatologist which worked like a miracle. The doctor had me on a low dose for 5 months and my skin totally cleared up and I only experienced slight side effects like chapped lips and dry skin.
My skin was all clear until about 3 years later at age 24, I started breaking out again around my mouth and jawline. I went back to the same dermatologist and told her I didn’t want to go back on Accutane because it was such a strong drug so she told me to try a system called Solvere. It is basically Proactive but more gentle. Since I have sensitive skin, Solvere was perfect for treating my breakouts while also soothing my skin. I used the face wash, pads, spot treatment and moisturizer twice a day and really noticed a difference.
All over-the-counter acne treatments are the same really. They are all either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide unless you’re using a natural remedy that has fruit acids like alpha hydroxy or natural antiseptics like tea tree or lavender.
What Works For Me Now: I’ve found that a 2% salicylic acid face wash (like Solvere or Neutrogena) used twice a day works for me to maintain clear skin, benzoyl peroxide is only good for a spot treatment on active breakouts because in a face wash it dries me out and moisturizer is key! I’ve really learned that the skin is a sensitive organ and it is possible to over-treat it one way or the other. I personally think it is a mis-conception that you should avoid all oils, etc. to treat problem skin. If you dry your skin out too much it could rebel and cause you to break out more or suffer other consequences like inflamed, dry skin. Keep your face clean by washing twice per day and then nourish, replinish and protect your skin throughout the day with a high quality, natural moisturizer – rememeber that saying “you are what you eat”? Well, I think it applies to skin too!… You are what you put on your skin and how you treat your skin. Keep it clean and treat it gently and it will heal and be beautiful.
My Skin Favorites:
Makeup:
Skin No Nos:
Hope these tips help you! Comment and let us all know your clear skin solutions! xo